Celtics Edge Out Pacers

Robert Parrish scored 34 points and Larry Bird 31 last night as the Celtics rolled to a 121-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Bird dominated the first half, scoring 18 points in the first period and three more in part-time duty in the second. Then Parrish frustrated the Indiana comeback attempts with 29 points in the second half.

Kevin McHale contributed 20 points and Dennis Johnston 15 in helping the Celtics hand Indiana its 17th consecutive road loss.

With Bird a one-man wrecking crew, the Celtics raced to a 37-34 lead after one period. They slowed down in the second quarter, but were in command, 59-48, at the half.

Boston widened its advantage to as much as 17 points, 70-53, early in the third period, but Indiana ran off 10 points in a row to get back into contention.

Scalping

The young Pacers battled the rest of the way, but could never get closer than seven points.

The victory was Boston's third in four starts. Indiana is 1-3.

The Pacers were led by Clark Kellogg with 24 points, Herb Williams with 21, and rookie Steve Stipanovich with 16.